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    Desire, Cry, Salvation

    Psalm 145:19 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them."
    — Psalm 145:19 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse after the great nearness promise (v. 18), David unfolds what the nearness produces. The God who is near to those who call (v. 18) fulfills their desires, hears their cries, and saves them (v. 19).

    Historical Context

    David ended his life with this psalm — a final, alphabetic catalogue of God's character. The threefold promise of v. 19 (desire, hearing, salvation) is the harvest of a life of calling on the LORD.

    Original Language Insights

    'Desire' (ratzon) — what is willed, longed for.

    'Cry' (shav'a) — distress shout. Both ordinary desire and emergency cry reach Him.

    Theological Significance

    Reverence shapes the desires God fulfills. Those who fear Him do not ask outside His will; their desires conform to His character, and so His fulfillment costs them nothing. Hearing and saving follow.

    Practical Application

    Cultivate the fear of the LORD; it purifies the desires you bring Him. The same fear that orders your praying makes the answer of v. 19 sweeter when it comes.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Psalm 145:18

    "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him."

    The prior verse names the nearness; v. 19 unfolds what the nearness gives.

    1 John 5:14-15

    "If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."

    John's parallel — answered prayer flows from will-aligned asking.

    Prayer Response

    LORD, shape my desires to fear You. Then hear my cry, fulfill what You have planted, and save me. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does God fulfill every desire?

    Verse 19 specifies 'them that fear him' — desires shaped by reverence. God refines our wants until they match His will, then fulfills them. Unanswered prayer is often a kindness while He works on the desire.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalms 145 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 145:9Exact verse

    The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

    Theme: God's Universal Goodness

    Before · Psalm 145:17Exact verse

    The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

    Theme: Righteous in All His Ways

    Before · Psalm 145:18Exact verse

    The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

    Theme: God's Nearness

    Nearest commentary in Psalms

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Psalm 144:13Nearest chapter

    That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.

    Theme: Abundance from the LORD

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Psalm 144:14Nearest chapter

    That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.

    Theme: The Quiet Mercies of Daily Peace

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Psalm 144:15Nearest chapter

    Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

    Theme: Blessings & Promises

    Read Psalms 144Commentary: Psalm 144:15
    Read Psalms 145 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 145:18
    Read Psalms 146Commentary: Psalm 146:5
    Previous commentary: Psalm 145:18Next commentary: Psalm 146:5

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    Psalm 42:1 Commentary

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    Longing for God

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    Supreme Devotion

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    Have I Committed the Unforgivable Sin?

    If you are worried about having committed the unforgivable sin, that concern itself is strong evidence that you have not — the truly hardened have no desire for God.

    Read answer

    What Is Covetousness According to the Bible?

    Covetousness is an intense desire for what belongs to others, prohibited by the Tenth Commandment and described by Paul as idolatry.

    Read answer

    What Is Total Depravity?

    Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.

    Read answer

    What Does Hosanna Mean?

    Hosanna is a Hebrew cry of praise meaning 'Save now!' — shouted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 46:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    Psalm 27:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

    Psalm 37:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Plague Stopped by Phinehas

    Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    Old Testament

    Quail in the Wilderness

    God sends quail to cover the camp of Israel when the people cry out for meat.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Gideon's Fleece

    God confirmed His promise to Gideon with a wet fleece on dry ground and a dry fleece on wet ground.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Pentecost — Tongues of Fire

    The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.

    Read the miracle

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    Psalm 145:17Isaiah 40:7

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